Absorbent article with waist gasketing element and leg cuffs

ABSTRACT

A disposable absorbent article may include a chassis that includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a leg gasketing system and at least one waist gasketing element. The leg gasketing system may include an inner cuff and an outer cuff; the inner cuff may include an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff may include an outer cuff material edge such that the web of material is folded laterally outward to form the inner cuff folded edge. The leg gasketing system may also include a leg gasketing system pocket with an opening on an inboard longitudinal edge of the pocket.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, and is acontinuation of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/543,984, filed onAug. 19, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/074,382, filed on Mar. 18, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/134,993, filed on Mar. 18, 2015, each ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to absorbent articles (e.g., diapers, adultincontinence articles, feminine hygiene pads) having improved leg cuffsthat yield improved functional characteristics (e.g., reduced leakage,fecal material containment).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The most common mode of failure for absorbent articles occurs when bodyexudates leak out of the gaps between the article and the wearer's legsand/or waist. When fecal material (e.g., runny bowel movement, a mixtureof bowel movement and urine, etc.) is not absorbed into the topsheet andcore of absorbent article, the fecal material can leak out of the gapsbetween the article and the wearer's legs or waist. In situations wherea wearer exudes a higher quantity of fecal material—which is absorbed bythe absorbent core more slowly than urine—the fecal material may movelaterally along the body-side surface of the absorbent article and reachthe barrier leg cuff. Fecal material may also travel longitudinallyalong the barrier leg cuffs or longitudinally up the gluteal grove ofthe wearer towards the waist. Due to the movement of the wearer and/or ashortage of available space under the barrier cuffs and/or within theabsorbent article, the fecal material may leak out of the gaps betweenthe article and the wearer's legs and/or waist. This results in soiling,wetting, or otherwise contaminating the wearer's clothing or otherarticles (e.g., bedding, furniture, caregiver clothing, etc.) that comein contact with the wearer's leaky absorbent article.

Accordingly, it is of continued interest to provide an economicallyviable disposable absorbent article with the ability to minimize thenegative effects of bodily extrudate leaks, while also making it easierto clean the wearer when the soiled disposable absorbent article isremoved. To that end, it is of continued interest to provide adisposable absorbent article having sufficient retention capability tosafely and cleanly retain bodily extrudate away from the wearer'sclothing and/or skin throughout the expected time of article use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a disposable absorbent article for wearing about thelower torso of a wearer includes a first waist region, a second waistregion, a crotch region disposed between the first and second waistregions; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; and a firstlongitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the disposableabsorbent article including a topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent coredisposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a leg gasketing system;and at least one waist gasketing element; wherein the leg gasketingsystem includes a web of material forming an inner cuff and a portion ofan outer cuff; wherein the inner cuff includes an inner cuff folded edgeand an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff includes an outercuff material edge; such that the web of material is folded laterallyoutward to form the inner cuff folded edge; wherein at least a portionof the web of material between the outer cuff material edge and theinner cuff folded edge is attached to the backsheet in the first waistregion, the second waist region and the crotch region; and at least aportion of the web of material between the inner cuff folded edge andthe outer cuff material edge is attached to the topsheet in the crotchregion and the first waist region; and the web of material between theinner cuff folded edge and the outer cuff material edge is unattached tothe topsheet in at least a portion of the second waist region, forming aleg gasketing system pocket, wherein the leg gasketing system pocketincludes an opening on an inboard longitudinal edge of the leg gasketingsystem pocket, wherein the at least one waist gasketing element has aninboard lateral edge, an outboard lateral edge, and two longitudinaledges; the at least one waist gasketing element comprising at least oneelastic material; wherein the at least one waist gasketing element isattached to: 1) the chassis of the disposable absorbent article and 2)the leg gasketing system, such that at least a portion of the outboardlateral edge of the waist gasketing element is attached to the chassisand at least a portion of the outboard lateral edge of the waistgasketing element is attached to the web of material forming the leggasketing system; and wherein the inboard lateral edge of the waistgasketing element is unattached to the chassis of the disposableabsorbent article.

In another aspect, a disposable absorbent article for wearing about thelower torso of a wearer includes a first waist region, a second waistregion, a crotch region disposed between the first and second waistregions; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; and a firstlongitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the disposableabsorbent article including a topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent coredisposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a leg gasketing system;and at least one waist gasketing element; wherein the leg gasketingsystem includes an inner cuff and an outer cuff, the outer cuff formedfrom the backsheet and a separate web of material; wherein the leggasketing system extends from the first waist edge to the second waistedge; and at least a portion of the web of material is attached to thebacksheet in the first waist region, the second waist region and thecrotch region; at least a portion of the web material is attached to thetopsheet in the crotch region and the first waist region; and the web ofmaterial is unattached to the topsheet in at least a portion of thesecond waist region, forming a leg gasketing system pocket with anopening on an inboard longitudinal edge of the leg gasketing systempocket wherein the at least one waist gasketing element has an inboardlateral edge, an outboard lateral edge, and two longitudinal edges; theat least one waist gasketing element comprising at least one elasticmaterial; wherein the at least one waist gasketing element is attachedto: 1) the chassis of the disposable absorbent article and 2) the leggasketing system, such that at least a portion of the outboard lateraledge of the waist gasketing element is attached to the chassis and atleast a portion of the outboard lateral edge of the waist gasketingelement is attached to the web of material forming the leg gasketingsystem; and wherein the inboard lateral edge of the waist gasketingelement is unattached to the chassis of the disposable absorbentarticle.

In another aspect, a disposable absorbent article for wearing about thelower torso of a wearer includes a first waist region, a second waistregion, a crotch region disposed between the first and second waistregions; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; and a firstlongitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the disposableabsorbent article including a topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent coredisposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a leg gasketing system;and at least one waist gasketing element; wherein the leg gasketingsystem includes an inner cuff and an outer cuff; wherein the outer cuffincludes at least one longitudinally oriented elastic, and a leggasketing system pocket that includes an inner longitudinal edge and anouter longitudinal edge; and wherein in at least a portion of the secondwaist region, the leg gasketing system pocket includes an opening alongthe inner longitudinal edge; wherein the at least one waist gasketingelement has an inboard lateral edge, an outboard lateral edge, and twolongitudinal edges; the at least one waist gasketing element comprisingat least one elastic material; wherein the at least one waist gasketingelement is attached to: 1) the chassis of the disposable absorbentarticle and 2) the leg gasketing system, such that at least a portion ofthe outboard lateral edge of the waist gasketing element is attached tothe chassis and at least a portion of the outboard lateral edge of thewaist gasketing element is attached to the web of material forming theleg gasketing system; and wherein the inboard lateral edge of the waistgasketing element is unattached to the chassis of the disposableabsorbent article.

In another aspect, a package includes at least ten disposable absorbentarticles for wearing about the lower torso of a wearer, the disposableabsorbent articles including: a first waist region, a second waistregion, a crotch region disposed between the first and second waistregions; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; and a firstlongitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the disposableabsorbent articles including: a topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent coredisposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a leg gasketing system;and at least one waist gasketing element; wherein the leg gasketingsystem includes a web of material forming an inner cuff and a portion ofan outer cuff; wherein the inner cuff includes an inner cuff folded edgeand an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff includes an outercuff material edge; such that the web of material is folded laterallyoutward to form the inner cuff folded edge; wherein at least a portionof the web of material between the outer cuff material edge and theinner cuff folded edge is attached to the backsheet in the first waistregion, the second waist region and the crotch region; and at least aportion of the web of material between the inner cuff folded edge andthe outer cuff material edge is attached to the topsheet in the crotchregion and the first waist region; and the web of material between theinner cuff folded edge and the outer cuff material edge is unattached tothe topsheet in at least a portion of the second waist region, forming aleg gasketing system pocket, wherein the leg gasketing system pocketincludes an opening on an inboard longitudinal edge of the leg gasketingsystem pocket; wherein the at least one waist gasketing element has aninboard lateral edge, an outboard lateral edge, and two longitudinaledges; the at least one waist gasketing element comprising at least oneelastic material; wherein the at least one waist gasketing element isattached to: 1) the chassis of the disposable absorbent article and 2)the leg gasketing system, such that at least a portion of the outboardlateral edge of the waist gasketing element is attached to the chassisand at least a portion of the outboard lateral edge of the waistgasketing element is attached to the web of material forming the leggasketing system; and wherein the inboard lateral edge of the waistgasketing element is unattached to the chassis of the disposableabsorbent article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims pointing out anddistinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed the same willbe better understood by the following drawings taken in conjunction withthe accompanying specification wherein like components are given thesame reference number.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary absorbent article.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross sectional view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1 , the cross section taken along the line A-A.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross sectional view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1 , the cross section taken along the line B-B.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross sectional view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1 , the cross section taken along the line C-C.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of anabsorbent article as detailed herein. FIG. 5 is substantially identicalto the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 , with the addition of a waistgasketing element in the second waist region.

FIG. 6 is a close-up schematic plan view of the second waist region ofthe exemplary embodiment of the absorbent article depicted in FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe absorbent article of FIG. 6 , the cross section taken along thelongitudinal centerline.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe absorbent article of FIG. 6 , the cross section taken along the lineD-D.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe absorbent article of FIG. 6 , the cross section taken along the lineE-E.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodimentof the absorbent article of FIG. 6 , the cross section taken along theline D-D.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodimentof the absorbent article of FIG. 6 , the cross section taken along theline E-E.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

As used herein, the following terms shall have the meaning specifiedthereafter: “Disposable,” in reference to absorbent articles, means thatthe absorbent articles are generally not intended to be laundered orotherwise restored or reused as absorbent articles (i.e., they areintended to be discarded after a single use and, preferably, to berecycled, composted, or otherwise discarded in an environmentallycompatible manner).

“Absorbent article” refers to devices which absorb and contain bodyexudates and, more specifically, refers to devices which are placedagainst or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and containthe various exudates discharged from the body. Exemplary absorbentarticles include diapers, training pants, pull-on pant-type diapers(i.e., a diaper having a pre-formed waist opening and leg openings suchas illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,487), refastenable diapers orpant-type diapers, incontinence briefs and undergarments, diaper holdersand liners, feminine hygiene garments such as panty liners, absorbentinserts, and the like.

“Proximal” and “Distal” refer respectively to the location of an elementrelatively near to or far from the longitudinal or lateral centerline ofa structure (e.g., the proximal edge of a longitudinally extendingelement is located nearer to the longitudinal centerline than the distaledge of the same element is located relative to the same longitudinalcenterline).

“Body-facing” and “garment-facing” refer respectively to the relativelocation of an element or a surface of an element or group of elements.“Body-facing” implies the element or surface is nearer to the wearerduring wear than some other element or surface. “Garment-facing” impliesthe element or surface is more remote from the wearer during wear thansome other element or surface (i.e., element or surface is proximate tothe wearer's garments that may be worn over the disposable absorbentarticle).

“Longitudinal” refers to a direction running substantially perpendicularfrom a waist edge to an opposing waist edge of the article and generallyparallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article. Directionswithin 45 degrees of the longitudinal direction are considered to be“longitudinal”

“Lateral” refers to a direction running from a longitudinal edge to anopposing longitudinal edge of the article and generally at a right angleto the longitudinal direction. Directions within 45 degrees of thelateral direction are considered to be “lateral.”

“Disposed” refers to an element being located in a particular place orposition.

“Joined” refers to configurations whereby an element is directly securedto another element by affixing the element directly to the other elementand to configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured toanother element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) whichin turn are affixed to the other element.

“Film” refers to a sheet-like material wherein the length and width ofthe material far exceed the thickness of the material. Typically, filmshave a thickness of about 0.5 mm or less.

“Water-permeable” and “water-impermeable” refer to the penetrability ofmaterials in the context of the intended usage of disposable absorbentarticles. Specifically, the term “water-permeable” refers to a layer ora layered structure having pores, openings, and/or interconnected voidspaces that permit liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine to passthrough its thickness in the absence of a forcing pressure. Conversely,the term “water-impermeable” refers to a layer or a layered structurethrough the thickness of which liquid water, urine, or synthetic urinecannot pass in the absence of a forcing pressure (aside from naturalforces such as gravity). A layer or a layered structure that iswater-impermeable according to this definition may be permeable to watervapor, i.e., may be “vapor-permeable.”

“Extendibility” and “extensible” mean that the width or length of thecomponent in a relaxed state can be extended or increased.

“Elasticated” and “elasticized” mean that a component comprises at leasta portion made of elastic material.

“Elongatable material,” “extensible material,” or “stretchable material”are used interchangeably and refer to a material that, upon applicationof a biasing force, can stretch to an elongated length of at least about110% of its relaxed, original length (i.e. can stretch to 10 percentmore than its original length), without rupture or breakage, and uponrelease of the applied force, shows little recovery, less than about 20%of its elongation without complete rupture or breakage as measured byEDANA method 20.2-89. In the event such an elongatable material recoversat least 40% of its elongation upon release of the applied force, theelongatable material will be considered to be “elastic” or“elastomeric.” For example, an elastic material that has an initiallength of 100 mm can extend at least to 150 mm, and upon removal of theforce retracts to a length of at least 130 mm (i.e., exhibiting a 40%recovery). In the event the material recovers less than 40% of itselongation upon release of the applied force, the elongatable materialwill be considered to be “substantially non-elastic” or “substantiallynon-elastomeric”. For example, an elongatable material that has aninitial length of 100 mm can extend at least to 150 mm, and upon removalof the force retracts to a length of at least 145 mm (i.e., exhibiting a10% recovery).

“Elastomeric material” is a material exhibiting elastic properties.Elastomeric materials may include elastomeric films, scrims, nonwovens,and other sheet-like structures.

“Pant” refers to disposable absorbent articles having a pre-formed waistand leg openings. A pant may be donned by inserting a wearer's legs intothe leg openings and sliding the pant into position about the wearer'slower torso. Pants are also commonly referred to as “closed diapers”,“prefastened diapers”, “pull-on diapers”, “training pants” and“diaper-pants.”

Absorbent Article:

The present disclosure is directed to a disposable absorbent articlewith a leg gasketing system and a leg gasketing system pocket with anopening towards the interior (towards the longitudinal centerline 100)of the article, wherein the pocket reduces runny bowel movement leaks.

FIGS. 1 and 5 are plan views of exemplary, non-limiting embodiments ofthe absorbent article 20 described herein in a flat, uncontracted state.FIGS. 1 and 5 illustrate substantially the same disposable absorbentarticle, with the difference being that FIG. 5 also incorporates a waistgasketing element 81 in the second waist region 38. Accordingly, whendetailing the particular elements of the embodiment of FIG. 1 herein,the same disclosure will also apply to the embodiment of FIG. 5 , asthose same elements may also be present in the embodiment of FIG. 5(whether explicitly shown or not). Due to clarity issues, some of theelements that are explicitly shown and referenced in FIG. 1 may appearmissing from FIG. 5 . For instance, the cuff separation bonds 45 are notexplicitly shown in outboard part of the second waist region 38 of FIG.5 due to providing clarity to the illustration of the waist gasketingelement 81. However, even though not explicitly illustrated, theembodiment of FIG. 5 may include cuff separation bonds 45 in that regionas detailed in FIG. 1 and described herein, as well as any otherelements illustrated in FIG. 1 (or the figures that reference FIG. 1 )and/or described herein.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of anabsorbent article 20 of the present invention in a flat, uncontractedstate. The garment-facing surface 120 of the absorbent article 20 isfacing the viewer. The absorbent article 20 includes a longitudinalcenterline 100 and a lateral centerline 110. The absorbent article 20may comprise a chassis 22. The absorbent article 20 and chassis 22 areshown to have a first waist region 36, a second waist region 38 opposedto the first waist region 36, and a crotch region 37 located between thefirst waist region 36 and the second waist region 38. The waist regions36 and 38 generally comprise those portions of the absorbent article 20which, when worn, encircle the waist of the wearer. The waist regions 36and 38 may include elastic elements such that they gather about thewaist of the wearer to provide improved fit and containment. The crotchregion 37 is the portion of the absorbent article 20 which, when theabsorbent article 20 is worn, is generally positioned between the legsof the wearer.

The outer periphery of chassis 22 is defined by longitudinal edges 12and waist edges (first waist edge 13 in first waist region 36 and secondwaist edge 14 in second waist region 38). The longitudinal edges 12 maybe subdivided into a front longitudinal edge 12 a, which is the portionof the longitudinal edge 12 in the first waist region 36, and a rearlongitudinal edge 12 b, which is the portion of the longitudinal edge 12in the rear waist region 38. The chassis 22 may have opposinglongitudinal edges 12 that are oriented generally parallel to thelongitudinal centerline 100. However, for better fit, longitudinal edges12 may be curved or angled to produce, for example, an “hourglass” shapediaper when viewed in a plan view. The chassis 22 may have opposinglateral edges 13, 14 that are oriented generally parallel to the lateralcenterline 110.

The chassis 22 may comprise a liquid permeable topsheet 24, a backsheet26, and an absorbent core 28 between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet26. The absorbent core 28 may have a body-facing surface and a garmentfacing-surface. The topsheet 24 may be joined to the core 28 and/or thebacksheet 26. The backsheet 26 may be joined to the core 28 and/or thetopsheet 24. It should be recognized that other structures, elements, orsubstrates may be positioned between the core 28 and the topsheet 24and/or backsheet 26. In certain embodiments, the chassis 22 comprisesthe main structure of the absorbent article 20 with other features mayadded to form the composite absorbent article structure. While thetopsheet 24, the backsheet 26, and the absorbent core 28 may beassembled in a variety of well-known configurations, preferred absorbentarticle configurations are described generally in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,860,003; 5,151,092; 5,221,274; 5,554,145; 5,569,234; 5,580,411; and6,004,306.

Topsheet:

The topsheet 24 is generally a portion of the absorbent article 20 thatmay be positioned at least in partial contact or close proximity to awearer. Suitable topsheets 24 may be manufactured from a wide range ofmaterials, such as porous foams; reticulated foams; apertured plasticfilms; or woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cottonfibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers), ora combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet 24 isgenerally supple, soft feeling, and non-irritating to a wearer's skin.Generally, at least a portion of the topsheet 24 is liquid pervious,permitting liquid to readily penetrate through the thickness of thetopsheet 24. One topsheet 24 useful herein is available from BBAFiberweb, Brentwood, TN as supplier code 055SLPV09U. The topsheet 24 maybe apertured.

Any portion of the topsheet 24 may be coated with a lotion or skin carecomposition as is known in the art. Non-limiting examples of suitablelotions include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,607,760; 5,609,587;5,635,191; and 5,643,588. The specific examples are not limiting, as anylotion or skin care composition known in the art may be utilized. Thetopsheet 24 may be fully or partially elasticized or may beforeshortened so as to provide a void space between the topsheet 24 andthe core 28. Exemplary structures including elasticized or foreshortenedtopsheets are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,892,536;4,990,147; 5,037,416; and 5,269,775.

Absorbent Core:

The absorbent core 28 may comprise a wide variety of liquid-absorbentmaterials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbentarticles. Examples of suitable absorbent materials include comminutedwood pulp, which is generally referred to as air felt creped cellulosewadding; melt blown polymers, including co-form; chemically stiffened,modified, or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; tissue, including tissuewraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges;superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any other knownabsorbent material or combinations of materials. In one embodiment, atleast a portion of the absorbent core is substantially cellulose freeand contains less than 10% by weight cellulosic fibers, less than 5%cellulosic fibers, less than 1% cellulosic fibers, no more than animmaterial amount of cellulosic fibers or no cellulosic fibers. Itshould be understood that an immaterial amount of cellulosic materialdoes not materially affect at least one of the thinness, flexibility,and absorbency of the portion of the absorbent core that issubstantially cellulose free. Among other benefits, it is believed thatwhen at least a portion of the absorbent core is substantially cellulosefree, this portion of the absorbent core is significantly thinner andmore flexible than a similar absorbent core that includes more than 10%by weight of cellulosic fibers. The amount of absorbent material, suchas absorbent particulate polymer material present in the absorbent coremay vary, but in certain embodiments, is present in the absorbent corein an amount greater than about 80% by weight of the absorbent core, orgreater than about 85% by weight of the absorbent core, or greater thanabout 90% by weight of the absorbent core, or greater than about 95% byweight of the core.

Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core 28 aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,610,678; 4,673,402; 4,834,735; 4,888,231;5,137,537; 5,147,345; 5,342,338; 5,260,345; 5,387,207; 5,397,316; and5,625,222.

Backsheet:

The backsheet 26 is generally positioned such that it may be at least aportion of the garment-facing surface 120 of the absorbent article 20.Backsheet 26 may be designed to prevent the exudates absorbed by andcontained within the absorbent article 20 from soiling articles that maycontact the absorbent article 20, such as bed sheets and undergarments.In certain embodiments, the backsheet 26 is substantiallywater-impermeable. Suitable backsheet 26 materials include films such asthose manufactured by Tredegar Industries Inc. of Terre Haute, IN andsold under the trade names X15306, X10962, and X10964. Other suitablebacksheet 26 materials may include breathable materials that permitvapors to escape from the absorbent article 20 while still preventingexudates from passing through the backsheet 26. Exemplary breathablematerials may include materials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs,composite materials such as film-coated nonwoven webs, and microporousfilms such as manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Co., of Japan under thedesignation ESPOIR NO and by EXXON Chemical Co., of Bay City, TX, underthe designation EXXAIRE. Suitable breathable composite materialscomprising polymer blends are available from Clopay Corporation,Cincinnati, OH under the name HYTREL blend P18-3097. Such breathablecomposite materials are described in greater detail in PCT ApplicationNo. WO 95/16746 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,823. Other breathable backsheetsincluding nonwoven webs and apertured formed films are described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,571,096. An exemplary, suitable backsheet is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,107,537. Other suitable materials and/or manufacturingtechniques may be used to provide a suitable backsheet 26 including, butnot limited to, surface treatments, particular film selections andprocessing, particular filament selections and processing, etc.

Backsheet 26 may also consist of more than one layer. The backsheet 26may comprise an outer cover and an inner layer. The outer cover may bemade of a soft, non-woven material. The inner layer may be made of asubstantially liquid-impermeable film. The outer cover and an innerlayer may be joined together by adhesive or any other suitable materialor method. A particularly suitable outer cover is available from CorovinGmbH, Peine, Germany as supplier code A18AH0, and a particularlysuitable inner layer is available from RKW Gronau GmbH, Gronau, Germanyas supplier code PGBR4WPR. While a variety of backsheet configurationsare contemplated herein, it would be obvious to those skilled in the artthat various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Ears/Fasteners:

The absorbent article 20 may include front ears 40 and/or back ears 42.The ears 40, 42 may be extensible, inextensible, elastic, or inelastic.The ears 40, 42 may be formed from nonwoven webs, woven webs, knittedfabrics, polymeric and elastomeric films, apertured films, sponges,foams, scrims, and combinations and laminates thereof. In certainembodiments the ears 40, 42 may be formed of a stretch laminate such asa nonwoven/elastomeric material laminate or a nonwoven/elastomericmaterial/nonwoven laminate. Stretch laminates may be formed by anymethod known in the art. For example, the ears 40, 42 may be formed as azero strain stretch laminate, which includes at least a layer ofnon-woven material and an elastomeric element. The elastomeric elementis attached to the layer of non-woven material while in a relaxed orsubstantially relaxed state, and the resulting laminate is madestretchable (or more stretchable over a further range) by subjecting thelaminate to an activation process which elongates the nonwoven layerpermanently, but the elastomeric element temporarily. The nonwoven layermay be integral with at least a portion of the chassis 22, in which casethe elastomeric element may be attached to the nonwoven layer and thenon-woven/elastomeric element laminate is subsequently activated.Alternatively, the nonwoven layer may be a separate component, in whichcase the elastomeric element is attached to the nonwoven layer to formthe laminate, which is then coupled to the main portion. If one or morelayers of the side panel are provided separately, the laminate may beactivated either before or after attachment to the main portion. Thezero strain activation processes is further disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,167,897 and 5,156,793. A suitable elastic ear may be an activatedlaminate comprising an elastomeric film (such as is available fromTredegar Corp, Richmond, VA, as supplier code X25007) disposed betweentwo nonwoven layers (such as is available from BBA Fiberweb, Brentwood,TN as supplier code FPN332).

The ears 40, 42 may be discrete or integral. A discrete ear is formed asseparate element which is joined to the chassis 22. An integral ear is aportion of the chassis 22 that projects laterally outward from thelongitudinal edge 12. The integral ear may be formed by cutting thechassis form to include the shape of the ear projection.

The absorbent article 20 may also include a fastening system 50. Whenfastened, the fastening system 50 interconnects the first waist region36 and the rear waist region 38 resulting in a waist circumference thatmay encircle the wearer during wear of the absorbent article 20. Thefastening system 50 may comprises a fastener such as tape tabs, hook andloop fastening components, interlocking fasteners such as tabs & slots,buckles, buttons, snaps, and/or hermaphroditic fastening components,although any other known fastening means are generally acceptable. Someexemplary surface fastening systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,848,594; 4,662,875; 4,846,815; 4,894,060; 4,946,527; 5,151,092; and5,221,274. An exemplary interlocking fastening system is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,432,098. The fastening system 50 may also provide ameans for holding the article in a disposal configuration as disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,140. The fastening system 50 may also includeprimary and secondary fastening systems, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,699,622. The fastening system 50 may be constructed to reduce shiftingof overlapped portions or to improve fit as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,242,436; 5,499,978; 5,507,736; and 5,591,152.

Leg Gasketing System:

The absorbent article 20 may include a leg gasketing system 70. FIGS. 2,3 and 4 depict schematic cross sectional views of the exemplary leggasketing system 70 of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is schematic cross sectional viewthrough line A-A of FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is schematic cross sectional viewthrough line B-B of FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is schematic cross sectional viewthrough line C-C of FIG. 1 . In the various embodiments, the leggasketing system 70 may be constructed of one or more webs of material90 and include an inner cuff 71 that has an inner cuff folded edge 72and an inner cuff material edge 73. The leg gasketing system 70 mayfurther include an outer cuff 74 that includes portions of the topsheetand/or backsheet in its construction. The outer cuff 74 may include anouter cuff material edge 76.

In one embodiment, each leg gasketing system 70 comprises a single,continuous web of material 90 in conjunction with part of the chassis 22(e.g., backsheet 26 and/or topsheet 24). An embodiment having a singleweb of material (in addition to part of the chassis) to form both innerand outer cuff may provide a cost advantage over embodiments having morethan one web of material. Further, an embodiment having one web ofmaterial may be more aesthetically pleasing, as few mechanical bonds arevisible. In other embodiments, the leg gasketing system 70 may be formedfrom more than one web of material (e.g., multiple webs of material thatare joined together to become one web of material, or multiple distinctwebs of material that are separate from the disposable absorbent articlechassis and form part of the leg gasketing system). Herein, locations(e.g., folded edge, material edge, etc.) on the leg gasketing system 70are detailed in reference to “a web of material” or “a portion of theweb of material.” The recitations of “a web of material” or “the web ofmaterial” refer to leg gasketing system embodiments that may be formedfrom a single, continuous web of material, multiple webs of materialthat are joined together to become one web of material, or multipledistinct webs of material that are separate from the disposableabsorbent article chassis and form part of the leg gasketing system. Allsuch embodiments are contemplated.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the leg gasketing system 70 isattached to the chassis 22 in the first waist region 36, the secondwaist region 38 and the crotch region 37. The attachment to the chassis22 (e.g., topsheet 24 and/or backsheet 26) is made through utilizationof one or more outer cuff bonds 43. In one embodiment, one or more ofthe outer cuff bonds 43 are continuous, or substantially continuous(e.g., in a continuously intermittent pattern) from the first waist edge13 to the second waist edge 14. As seen in the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 2-4 , an outer cuff bond 43 attaches the web of leg gasketingmaterial 90 to the backsheet 26. The outer cuff bond 43 may take theform of glue, heat bond, pressure bond, CPW bond, or any other bondingmethod known in the art. In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 2-4 , theouter cuff bond 43 takes the form of a glue bond.

Further, at least a portion of the web material 90 is attached at asecond location to the chassis 22 in the crotch region 37 and the firstwaist region 36. The attachment to the web of material 90 in this secondlocation is made through utilization of one or more cuff separationbonds 45. As seen in FIGS. 1-4 , the cuff separation bond 45 attaches atleast a portion of the web material 90 to the topsheet 24 in the crotchregion 37 and the first waist region 36, and a portion of the secondwaist region 38. Hoverer, in other embodiments, the cuff separation bond45 may attach at least a portion of the web material 90 directly orindirectly to the backsheet 26 in the crotch region 37 and the firstwaist region 36, and a portion of the second waist region 38. The cuffseparation bond 45 may take the form of glue, heat bond, pressure bond,CPW bond, or any other bonding method known in the art. In the exemplaryembodiments of FIGS. 1-4 , the cuff separation bond 45 takes the form ofa glue bond.

As seen in FIGS. 1-4 , the web material 90 is unattached to the topsheet24 in at least a portion of the second waist region 38. Due to the webof material 90 being unattached to the topsheet 24 in at least a portionof the second waist region 38, a leg gasketing system pocket 47 isformed in at least a portion of the second waist region of the leggasketing system 70. The leg gasketing system pocket 47 includes aninboard longitudinal edge 48 and an outboard longitudinal edge 49, whichdefine lateral dimensions of the leg gasketing system pocket. In oneembodiment, the inboard longitudinal edge 48 is coterminous with a linethat the cuff separation bond 45 runs along in the longitudinaldirection. In one embodiment, the outboard longitudinal edge 49 iscoterminous with a line that the outer cuff bond 43 runs along in thelongitudinal direction. In another embodiment, the outboard longitudinaledge 49 is coterminous with a line that the most outboard bond of theouter cuff 74 runs along in the longitudinal direction.

In one embodiment, the leg gasketing system pocket 47 includes anopening 51 which runs a distance along the inboard longitudinal edge 48of the leg gasketing system pocket 47. The opening 51 is created by abreak in the cuff separation bond 45. Referring to FIG. 1 , the cuffseparation bond 45 runs in the longitudinal direction of the absorbentarticle, and is continuous, or substantially continuous (e.g., in acontinuously intermittent pattern) in the first waist region 36 and thecrotch region 37. The continuous cuff separation bond 45 continues intothe second waist region 38, but then stops for a defined distance andthen starts again along the same longitudinal line. The distance inwhich the cuff separation bond 45 stops along that longitudinal line isthe distance in which the web of material 90 is unattached to thetopsheet 24. Accordingly, this distance is the length of the opening 51which runs along the inboard longitudinal edge 48 of the leg gasketingsystem pocket 47. The opening 51 has an inboard lateral edge 52 and anoutboard lateral edge 53 where the cuff separation bond 45 starts andstops along the longitudinal line that the cuff separation bond 45 runsalong. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the length of the opening 51 can bedetermined by measuring the distance between inboard lateral edge 52 andoutboard lateral edge 53, taken along the longitudinal line that thecuff separation bond 45 runs along.

In another embodiment, the leg gasketing system pocket 47 includes anopening 51 which again runs a distance along the inboard longitudinaledge 48 of the leg gasketing system pocket 47. The opening 51 is createdby a series of breaks in the cuff separation bond 45. Referring to FIG.1 , the cuff separation bond 45 runs in the longitudinal direction ofthe absorbent article, and is continuous in the first waist region 36and the crotch region 37. The continuous cuff separation bond 45continues into the second waist region 38, but then becomes anintermittent bond pattern (e.g., stop-start-stop-start) for a defineddistance and then becomes continuous again along the same longitudinalline. The distance in which the cuff separation bond 45 becomes anintermittent bond pattern along that longitudinal line is the distancein which the web of material 90 is intermittently attached to thetopsheet 24. This intermittent pattern for a distance of the cuffseparation bond 45 creates series of small pockets, together referred toherein as a leg gasketing system pocket.

In other embodiments, the pocket and opening can occur in the firstwaist region, the second waist region, or in the crotch region as neededfor the specific type of exudates and the particular situation whereleakage prevention is desired. For instance, a wearer who sleeps ontheir belly (front) may benefit from the pocket and opening beinglocated in the front waist region, as to stop urine leakage out of thefront waist during sleep. Likewise, it may be important to create theopening on the crotch region for users wearing the article in thestanding position as to contain exudates that are likely to locatecentrally in the article due to the force of gravity when in a standingposition.

In some embodiments, the opening 51 measures between about 5 mm andabout 100 mm in the longitudinal direction, or any range or distancewithin the range of about 5 mm to about 100 mm; in some embodiments theopening measures about 75 mm; and in other embodiments the openingmeasures between about 1 mm and about 20 mm. In one embodiment, thelength of the opening 51 is between about 1% and about 75% of theoverall longitudinal length of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 (orany range or percentage within the range of about 1% to about 75%). Theoverall longitudinal length of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 is thedistance from the furthest longitudinally inboard portion of the pocketto the furthest longitudinally outboard position of the pocket. In someembodiments, the furthest longitudinally outboard position of the pocket47 is the second waist edge of absorbent article, and in otherembodiments, the pocket 47 may end longitudinally short of the secondwaist edge. For the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the overalllongitudinal length of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 is thedistance from the inboard lateral edge 52 of the opening 51 to thesecond waist edge 14 of the absorbent article 20, taken along thelongitudinal line that the cuff separation bond 45 runs along. In otherwords, for the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the longitudinaldimensions of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 are defined by theinboard lateral edge 52 of the opening 51 and the second waist edge 14.In one embodiment, the overall longitudinal length of the leg gasketingsystem pocket 47 measures between about 5 mm and about 200 mm in thelongitudinal direction, or any range or distance within the range ofabout 5 mm to about 200 mm; in some embodiments, about 100 mm, about 75mm, or about 50 mm; and in other embodiments the overall longitudinallength measures between about 1 mm and about 20 mm. In one embodiment,the outboard edge of the opening 51 of the leg gasketing system pocket47 is positioned about 5 mm inboard from the second waist edge 14 in thelongitudinal direction and the inboard edge of the opening is positionedabout 100 mm inboard from the second waist edge 14 in the longitudinaldirection. In other embodiments, the inboard/outboard edges of theopening can be any range or distance within the range of about 5 mm toabout 200 mm inboard from the second waist edge 14 in the longitudinaldirection; in some embodiments, the outboard edge of the opening isabout 100 mm, about 75 mm, about 50 mm, about 20 mm, or about 1 mminboard from the second waist edge 14 in the longitudinal direction; insome embodiments, the inboard edge of the opening is about 200 mm, about100 mm, about 75 mm, about 50 mm or about 20 mm inboard from the secondwaist edge 14 in the longitudinal direction.

The overall lateral width of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 is thedistance from the furthest laterally inboard portion of the pocket tothe furthest laterally outboard portion of the pocket. For theembodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the overall lateral width of the leggasketing system pocket 47 is the distance from the inboard longitudinaledge 48 of the leg gasketing system pocket to the outboard longitudinaledge 49 of the leg gasketing system pocket, taken along a line that isparallel to the second waist edge 14 and centered in the middle of theopening 51 of the leg gasketing system pocket. In other words, for theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the lateral dimension of the leggasketing system pocket 47 (i.e., the width) is defined by inboard andoutboard longitudinal edges 48, 49 of the leg gasketing system pocket47. In one embodiment, the overall lateral width of the leg gasketingsystem pocket 47 measures between about 5 mm and about 60 mm in thelateral direction, or any range or distance within the range of about 5mm to about 60 mm; in some embodiments, about 30 mm, about 25 mm, orabout 20 mm; and in other embodiments, the overall lateral widthmeasures between about 1 mm and about 20 mm. In one embodiment, theoverall lateral width of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 is betweenabout 1% and about 75% of the overall longitudinal length of the leggasketing system pocket 47 (or any range or percentage within the rangeof about 1% to about 75%). In one embodiment, the length of opening 51is between about 20% and about 100% of the overall lateral width of theleg gasketing system pocket 47 (or any range or percentage within therange of about 20% to about 100%).

When a wearer of an absorbent article has a runny bowel movement, manytimes the runny bowel movement spreads upon defecation and leaks out ofthe absorbent article in an area between the leg cuffs and wearer'slegs, or in an area between the waist region and the wearer's back.Leaks of this type often happen because the snug fit between user's bodyand the attached absorbent article do not allow enough room for therunny bowel movement to remain contained within the absorbent articleduring the wearer's movement. One advantage of the leg gasketing systempocket 47 as detailed herein, in combination with the leg gasketingsystem(s) as detailed herein, are the additional pocketed areas thatprovide extra void volumes within the leg cuffs for containment ofbodily extrudate (e.g., fecal material). When the wearer moves, aportion of the bodily extrudate will migrate into the leg gasketingsystem pocket 47 for containment and be held/trapped between two layersof nonwoven within the leg gasketing system before it can leak out in anarea between the wearer's back and the back waist region of theabsorbent article or an area between the leg cuffs and wearer's legs ofthe absorbent article. Thus, the leg gasketing system pocket 47 detailedherein reduces leaks. Moreover, leg gasketing system pocket 47 providesadditional void volume within the leg cuffs to receive the fecalmaterial which helps in isolating the fecal material from wearer's skin.

In one embodiment, the leg gasketing system pocket 47 is free of elasticmembers 77. In one embodiment, the leg gasketing system pocket 47contains one or more snap back elastic members. In one embodiment, theleg gasketing system pocket 47 has a second opening 55 along the secondwaist edge 14 of the absorbent article. In one embodiment, the leggasketing system pocket 47 is sealed along the second waist edge 14.

In some embodiments, the pocket 47 includes a thermal or compressionbond that defines at least a portion of the perimeter of the pocket(e.g., the entire perimeter of the pocket), such that the at least aportion of the pocket 47 (e.g., the entire pocket), can be made visibleto a wearer or caregiver as to signal the functionality of the pocket 47prior to use.

In another embodiment, the hydrophobic properties, such as Low SurfaceTension Strikethrough or Hydro Head, can be increased in a least aportion of the pocket 47, in such a way that prevents exudates fromleaking through the materials that comprise the pocket. Accordingly,this will maintain separation of the contained fecal material from thewearer. Increasing hydrophobic properties can be accomplished byapplying hydrophobic coatings, inks, glues, silicones, additionalmaterials, or any combination thereof, or by any other means known inthe art.

In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 and inner cuff 71 are the samecolor. In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 and inner cuff 71 aredifferent colors. In one embodiment, there is an additional printing onone or more of the cuffs of the leg gasketing system 70. In embodimentswith printing on both the inner and outer cuffs, the printing may be thesame or different on each cuff.

In another embodiment, the leg gasketing system 70 includes a printedzone that outlines or defines at least a portion of the pocket 47 suchthat the benefit can be signaled prior to use.

In some embodiments, the pocket 47 extends to the lateral edge of thechassis and creates channels for facilitating the flow of runny bowelmovement. This open channel area can be sealed by any suitable bondingtechnique such as glue, mechanical bonds, thermal bonds, or the like.

In some embodiments, the pocket 47 can be used as an effective featurefor a caregiver in applying the absorbent article easily on wearer. Thepocket 47 can be used for inserting the fingers and spreading theabsorbent article during application on the wearer, therefore providingease of application. The lateral distance between the left and rightpockets measures between about 120 mm and about 250 mm, or any range ordistance within the range of about 120 mm to about 250 mm; in someembodiments, the lateral distance between the left and right pocketsmeasures about 120 mm, about 150 mm, or about 200 mm; and in otherembodiments the lateral distance between the left and right pockets ismeasured about 210 mm, or about 250 mm.

In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 comprises elastic members 77positioned in a lateral array between the outer cuff folded edge 75 andouter cuff material edge 76. As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 , the elastics77, 78 are attached to the portion of the web of material that forms theouter cuff by elastics adhesive 79. In such an embodiment, the elasticsare positioned between the web of material 90 and the backsheet 26. Theouter cuff 74 may comprise at least two elastic members 77, at leastthree elastic members 77, at least four elastic members 77, at leastfive elastic members 77, or at least six elastic members 77. In oneembodiment, the elastic members 77 may be disposed between the outercuff folded edge 75 and the inner cuff material edge 73. In someembodiments, the elastics adhesive 79 in the outer cuff 74 is present inthe crotch region 37, but not present in the portion of the second waistregion 38 that forms the leg gasketing system pocket 47.

In one embodiment, the inner cuff 71 comprises an array of elasticmembers 78 positioned in a lateral array between the inner cuff foldededge 72 and the inner cuff material edge 73. The elastics are attachedto the portion of the web of material 90 that forms the inner cuff byelastics adhesive 79. In such an embodiment, the elastics are positionedbetween 1) the portion of the web of material between the inner cufffolded edge 72 and the inner cuff material edge 73, and 2) the portionof the web material between the inner cuff folded edge 72 and the outercuff material edge 76. The inner cuff 71 may comprise at least oneelastic member 78, at least two elastic members 78, at least threeelastic members 78, at least four elastic members 78, or at least fiveelastic members 78. In one embodiment, the elastic members 78 may bedisposed between the inner cuff folded edge 72 and the outer cuffmaterial edge 76.

In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 comprises at least one more elasticmember 77 than the inner cuff 71 elastic member(s) 78. In oneembodiment, the inner cuff material edge 73 is laterally outboard theouter cuff material edge 76.

In one embodiment, the elastic members 77 and 78 are spaced at least 2mm apart from one edge of the member to the other edge of the member,optionally at least 3 mm apart; optionally at least 3.5 mm apart;optionally at least 4 mm apart; optionally at least 4.5 mm apart;optionally at least 5 mm apart; optionally at least 5.5 mm apart;optionally at least 6 mm apart; optionally at least 6.5 mm apart;optionally at least 7 mm apart; optionally at least 7.5 mm apart;optionally at least 8 mm apart; optionally at least 8.5 mm apart;optionally at least 9 mm apart; optionally at least 9.5 mm apart;optionally at least 10 mm apart; optionally at least 10.5 mm apart;optionally at least 11 mm apart; optionally at least 11.5 mm apart;optionally at least 12 mm apart. In one embodiment, the outermostelastic members 77 and 78 are less than about 2 mm from the outer cuffmaterial edge 76 and inner cuff material edge 73; optionally less thanabout 1.5 mm, less than about 1 mm.

In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 has four elastic members 77 thatare about 4 mm apart. The outer cuff 74 may have four elastic membersthat are about 2 mm/7 mm/2 mm apart. The outer cuff 74 may have threeelastic members 77 that are about 6 mm apart. The outer cuff 74 may havetwo elastic members that are about 12 mm apart. The outer cuff 74 mayhave two elastic members that are about 3 mm/6 mm/3 mm apart, as spacedfrom the outer cuff folded edge 75. In any embodiment, the elasticmembers may be about 2 mm from the outer cuff folded edge 75, optionallyabout 0 mm from the outer cuff folded edge 75.

In one embodiment, the height of the inner cuff 71 is at least about 10mm, at least about 20 mm, a least about 30 mm, at least about 32 mm, atleast about 35 mm, at least about 38 mm. In one embodiment, the heightof the outer cuff 74 is at least about 15 mm, at least about 23 mm, atleast about 25 mm, at least about 27 mm, at least about 30 mm. Theheight of the inner cuff is measured from inner cuff folded edge 72 tothe first point of connection to a material beyond the inner cuffmaterial edge 73 in the crotch region. The outer cuff height is measuredfrom the outer cuff material edge 76 to the first point of connectionthe inner cuff 71 has to a material beyond the inner cuff material edge73 in the crotch region. Thus, the inner and outer cuffs are measuredfrom their respective edges (inner cuff folded edge 72 and outer cuffmaterial edge 76) to the point where the inner cuff is connected to thefirst material beyond the inner cuff material edge.

In another embodiment, the descriptions of the invention including thepocket 47 and opening 51 that allow for trapping exudates can be used inconjunction with an article that does not contain an absorbent core.This is useful for a product that is designed to be used in the medicalindustry as it can enable the collection of exudates for analysis easierwithout the exudates being absorbed into the product.

Waist Gasketing Element:

The disposable absorbent article 20 may include at least one waistgasketing element 81 that is attached to both the chassis 22 and the leggasketing system 70. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an embodiment of thedisposable absorbent article 20 as detailed herein that includes a waistgasketing element 81 in the second waist region 38. FIG. 6 is a close-upschematic view of the second waist region 38 of FIG. 5 . FIG. 7 depictsa schematic cross sectional view of the exemplary second waist region 38of FIG. 6 in a flat, uncontracted state, the view taken through thelongitudinal centerline 100. FIGS. 8-11 also depict schematic crosssectional views of the second waist region 38 of FIG. 6 . FIGS. 8 and 10are schematic cross sectional views through line D-D of FIG. 6 . FIGS. 9and 11 are schematic cross sectional views through line E-E of FIG. 6 .

In one embodiment, the at least one waist gasketing element 81 comprisesa single, continuous web of material. An embodiment having a single webof material may provide a cost advantage over embodiments having morethan one web of material. Further, a waist gasketing element formed fromone web of material may have fewer leaks, as there are no holes createdby bonding more than one web of material. Also, an embodiment having oneweb of material may be more aesthetically pleasing, as few mechanicalbonds are visible. In other embodiments, the waist gasketing element(s)81 may be formed from more than one web of material (e.g., multiple websof material that are joined together to become one web of material, ormultiple distinct webs of material that are separate from the disposableabsorbent article chassis and form part of the waist gasketing element).Herein, locations (e.g., folded edge, material edge, etc.) on the waistgasketing element 81 are detailed in reference to “a web of material” or“a portion of the web of material.” The recitations of “a web ofmaterial” or “the web of material” refer to waist gasketing elementembodiments that may be formed from a single, continuous web ofmaterial, multiple webs of material that are joined together to becomeone web of material, a single material that is folded to form multiplelayers of the same material, a single material that is slit apart andrejoined together, or multiple distinct webs of material that areseparate from the disposable absorbent article chassis and form part ofthe leg gasketing system. All such embodiments are contemplated.

In one embodiment, the waist gasketing element 81 includes an inboardlateral edge 82, an outboard lateral edge 83, and two longitudinal edges84. In some embodiments, the web of material forming the waist gasketingelement 81 is folded longitudinally outward (away from the lateralcenterline 110 of the absorbent article 20) to form the inboard lateraledge 82. In such embodiments, the inboard lateral edge 82 is also thelocation of the waist gasketing element folded edge 89 and the outboardlateral edge 83 is also the location of the waist gasketing elementfirst material edge 90 and the waist gasketing element second materialedge 91. Although an embodiment depicting a waist gasketing element 81with one folded edge 89 and two material edges 90, 91 is shown in FIGS.7-11 , alternate constructions of useful waist gasketing elements arecontemplated. For example, an alternate waist gasketing element 81 mayinclude two distinct webs of material and therefore have four materialedges (two on the inboard lateral edge 82, and two on the outboardlateral edge 83). As another example, an alternate waist gasketingelement may have a continuous web material that is formed into havingtwo folded edges (one on the inboard lateral edge 82, and one on theoutboard lateral edge 83) and two material edges.

Further, the waist gasketing element 81 is attached to: 1) the chassis22 of the disposable absorbent article 20 and 2) the leg gasketingsystem 70, such that at least a portion of the outboard lateral edge 83of the waist gasketing element 81 is attached to the chassis 22 and atleast a portion of the outboard lateral edge 83 of the waist gasketingelement 81 is attached to the web of material of the leg gasketingsystem 70; and wherein the inboard lateral edge 82 of the waistgasketing element 81 is unattached to the chassis 22 of the disposableabsorbent article 20. In embodiments that include a waist gasketingelement 81 that has a waist gasketing element folded edge 89, a waistgasketing element first material edge 90, and a waist gasketing elementsecond material edge 91, at least a portion of the web of materialbetween the waist gasketing element folded edge 89 and waist gasketingelement second material edge 91 is attached to the topsheet 24 and/orbacksheet 26 of the chassis 22. The attachment of the waist gasketingelement 81 to the chassis 22 is made through utilization of one or moreoutboard lateral edge bonds 85. As seen in the embodiment of FIGS. 5-7 ,the outboard lateral edge bond 85 attaches at least a portion of thewaist gasketing element's web of material between the waist gasketingelement folded edge 89 and the waist gasketing element second materialedge 91 to the topsheet 24. In one embodiment, the attachment bond 85 isat the second waist edge 14 of the chassis 22; in other embodiments, theattachment bond is placed at least 2 mm inboard from the waist edge ofthe chassis; at least 10 mm inboard from the waist edge of the chassis;at least 20 mm inboard from the waist edge of the chassis; at least 50mm inboard from the waist edge of the chassis; or any range or distancewithin the range of about 2 mm to about 50 mm inboard from the waistedge of the chassis. The outboard lateral edge bond 85 may take the formof glue, heat bond, pressure bond, CPW bonds, or any other bondingmethod known in the art. In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 5-7 , theoutboard lateral edge bond 85 takes the form of a glue bond, thermalbond, or compression bond.

In embodiments that include a waist gasketing element 81 that has awaist gasketing element folded edge 89, a waist gasketing element firstmaterial edge 90, and a waist gasketing element second material edge 91,at least a portion of the web of material between the waist gasketingelement folded edge 89 and waist gasketing element second material edge91 is attached to the web of material forming the leg gasketing system70. The attachment of the waist gasketing element 81 to the web ofmaterial forming the leg gasketing system 70 is made through utilizationof one or more longitudinal edge bond(s) 86. As seen in the embodimentof FIGS. 5-11 , the longitudinal edge bonds 86 attach at least a portionof the waist gasketing element's web of material between the waistgasketing element folded edge 89 and the waist gasketing element secondmaterial edge 91 to the web of material forming the leg gasketing system70. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8-9 , the longitudinal edgebonds 86 are located adjacent to the longitudinal edges 84 of the waistgasketing element 81 (or may be coterminous therewith). In anotherembodiment (not illustrated), the longitudinal edge bonds 86 are locatedadjacent to the inner cuff folded edge 72 of the leg gasketing system 70(or may be coterminous therewith). In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 10-11 , the longitudinal edge bonds 86 are wider than in theembodiment of FIGS. 8-9 , and span the distance between 1) thelongitudinal edges 84 of the waist gasketing element 81 and 2) the innercuff folded edge 72 of the leg gasketing system 70. In other words,specifically regarding the longitudinal edge bonds 86 for the embodimentshown in FIGS. 10-11 , the waist gasketing element 81 is attached to theleg gasketing system 70 over substantially the entire area that the leggasketing system 70 overlaps with the waist gasketing element 81. Insome embodiments, the waist gasketing element 81 is attached to the leggasketing system 70 over more than about 50%, more than about 60%, morethan about 70%, more than about 80%, more than about 90%, or more thanabout 95%, of the entire area that the leg gasketing system 70 overlapswith the waist gasketing element 81. The longitudinal edge bonds 86 maytake the form of glue, heat bond, pressure bond, CPW bonds, or any otherbonding method known in the art. In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS.5-11 , the longitudinal edge bonds 86 take the form of a glue bond,thermal bond, or compression bond.

In some embodiments, the portion of the web material between the waistgasketing element folded edge 89 and the waist gasketing element firstmaterial edge 90 is attached to the portion of the web material betweenthe waist gasketing element folded edge 89 and the waist gasketingelement second material edge 91 by at least one waist gasketing elementbond 92. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5-7 , the waistgasketing element bond 92 is located adjacent to the waist gasketingelement first material edge 90 and the waist gasketing element secondmaterial edge 91 (waist gasketing element bond 92 may also becoterminous with the waist gasketing element second material edge 91).The waist gasketing element bond 92 may take the form of glue, heatbond, pressure bond, CPW bonds, or any other bonding method known in theart. In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 5-7 , the waist gasketingelement bond 92 takes the form of a glue bond.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5-11 , the inboard lateral edge 82 of the waistgasketing element 81 is unattached to the chassis 22 of the disposableabsorbent article 20. Due to the waist gasketing element 81 beingunattached to the chassis 22, a waist gasketing element pocket 93 isformed. The waist gasketing element pocket 93 is illustrated in FIG. 7 .The waist gasketing element pocket 93 includes an inboard lateral edge94 and an outboard lateral edge 95, which define the longitudinal lengthdimension of the waist gasketing element pocket 93. In some embodiments,the inboard lateral edge 94 of the waist gasketing element pocket 93 iscoterminous with the waist gasketing element folded edge 89. In someembodiments, the outboard lateral edge 95 of the waist gasketing elementpocket 93 is coterminous with the outboard lateral edge bond 85. Inanother embodiment, the outboard lateral edge 95 is coterminous with themost outboard bond of the waist gasketing element 81. The waistgasketing element pocket 93 includes an opening 96 which runs a distancealong the inboard lateral edge 94 of the waist gasketing element pocket93.

For the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , the overall longitudinal length ofthe waist gasketing element pocket 93 is the distance from the waistgasketing element folded edge 89 of the waist gasketing element pocketto the outboard lateral edge bond 85. In other words, for the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 6 , the longitudinal dimensions of the waistgasketing element pocket 93 are defined by the waist gasketing elementfolded edge 89 and the outboard lateral edge bond 85. In one embodiment,the overall longitudinal length of the waist gasketing element pocket 93measures between about 5 mm and about 100 mm in the longitudinaldirection, or any range or distance within the range of about 5 mm toabout 100 mm; in some embodiments, about 60 mm, about 40 mm, or about 35mm; and in other embodiments the overall longitudinal length measuresbetween about 1 mm and about 30 mm.

For the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , the overall lateral width of thewaist gasketing element 81 is the distance from the longitudinal edge 84of one side of the waist gasketing element 81 to the longitudinal edge84 of the other side of the waist gasketing element. In one embodiment,the overall lateral width of the waist gasketing element 81 measuresbetween about 60 mm and about 200 mm in the lateral direction, or anyrange or distance within the range of about 60 mm to about 200 mm; insome embodiments, about 60 mm, about 100 mm, or about 150 mm; and inother embodiments the overall lateral width measures between about 50 mmand about 300 mm.

When a wearer of an absorbent article has a runny bowel movement, manytimes the runny bowel movement spreads upon defecation and leaks out ofthe absorbent article in an area between the waist region and thewearer's back. Leaks of this type often happen because the snug fitbetween user's body and the attached absorbent article do not allowenough room for the runny bowel movement to remain contained within theabsorbent article during the wearer's movement. One advantage of thewaist gasketing element 81 detailed herein, in combination with the leggasketing system(s) as detailed herein, are the additional pocketedareas (47 and 93) that provide extra void volumes within the leg cuffsand waist region for containment of bodily extrudate (e.g., fecalmaterial). When the wearer moves, a portion of the bodily extrudate willmigrate into the waist gasketing element pocket 93 for containment andbe held/trapped between two layers of nonwoven before it can leak out inan area between the wearer's back and the back waist region of theabsorbent article. Thus, the waist gasketing element 81 detailed hereinreduces leaks. Moreover, the waist gasketing element pocket 93 providesadditional void volume within the waist region to receive the fecalmaterial which helps in isolating the fecal material from wearer's skin.

Further, the waist gasketing element pocket 93 may work in conjunctionwith the leg gasketing system pocket 47 to provide even more void volumewithin the absorbent article to receive fecal material and/or provide aneasier path for fecal material to find the leg gasketing system pocketopening 51. The gasketing action of any elastic material (e.g., legelastics 87, detailed below) within the waist gasketing element 81 mayfunction to lift the inboard lateral edge 82 of the waist gasketingelement 81 away from the chassis 22 of the absorbent article. Thelongitudinal edge bonds 86 of the waist gasketing element 81 attach thewaist gasketing element to the inner cuff 71 and/or the outer cuff 74 ofthe leg gasketing system 70. Accordingly, the gasketing action of anyelastic material (e.g., leg elastics 87) within the waist gasketingelement 81 may also function to lift the inner cuff 71 and/or outer cuff74 of the leg gasketing system 70 away from the chassis 22, thereforeamplifying the opening 51 of the leg gasketing system pocket 51. Withthe opening 51 of the leg gasketing system pocket 51 opened up, thepocket can more readily accept fecal material.

While not being bound by theory, it is believed that the waist gasketingelement 81 can provide a seal to the body which is created by multipleaspects of the invention. First, the waist gasketing element 81 iselasticated and designed to be under tension in use. The tension in useis created by the caregiver in the process of applying the product asshe/he is trying to achieve a snug fit. Through the Capstan effect, thetension created during application and the radius of the body provides aforce between the waist gasketing element and the body which is in thenormal direction with respect to the body. This normal force between thewaist gasketing element 81 and the body provides the initial seal thatcauses bodily extrudate to run between the waist gasketing element 81and the chassis or topsheet, and causes the bodily extrudate to beforced into the waist gasketing element pocket 93. Furthermore, it isknown that rapidly excreted bodily extrudate has a pressure which causesthe distribution of the bodily extrudate throughout the absorbentarticle 20. If the bodily extrudate is trapped between the waistgasketing element 81 and the chassis 22, then the pressure created fromthe bodily extrudate will act to further seal the waist gasketingelement 81 against the body, adding to the normal force created by theaforementioned Capstan effect and creating an even better seal. Sincethe waist gasketing element 81 is sealed to the body, bodily extrudatecan't escape and then an amount of the bodily extrudate is forcedlaterally sideways into the leg gasketing system pocket 47 for storage.

To achieve the maximum effectiveness from the Capstan effect, whichleads to the sealing of the waist gasketing element 81 to the body, theleg gasketing system should ideally be positioned in an area of the bodywhich has a continuous convex surface or a continuous cylindrical shapeor approximation thereof. If the body surface becomes concave or“valley-like” at any point, the waist gasketing element 81 will not beable to form a proper seal between the body and the waist gasketingelement. This will allow exudates to escape through the space betweenthe body and the waist gasketing element 81. Therefore, it important toposition the waist gasketing element 81 above the gluteal groove, insuch a way as to ensure that the body has the right geometry to enablethe seal to be adequately formed. Ideally, the waist gasketing element81 can be positioned at the top of the gluteal groove, 10 mm above thegluteal grove, 25 mm above the gluteal groove, or 50 mm above thegluteal groove.

In addition, it may be useful to make the waist gasketing element 81tall enough so that if the chassis 22 does not fit close to the body,the waist gasketing element can still remain in contact. Additionally,it may be useful to provide enough void volume in the waist gasketingelement pocket 93 such that sufficient amounts of bodily extrudate canreside there. To ensure that the waist gasketing element 81 issufficiently above the gluteal groove and also is tall enough to seal tothe body and create enough void volume, it is advantageous to positionthe waist gasketing element at the top of the absorbent article 20, nearor coincident to the waist edge 13, 14, or as close as possible to thewaist edge. With variability in the placement of the materials in highspeed diaper making applications, it may be necessary to position thewaist gasketing element 81 in such a way as to enable it to be cut apartas a part of the manufacturing process such that a portion of the waistgasketing element 81 is attached to a first absorbent article and theremainder is attached to the next absorbent article in the manufacturingprocess. This ensures that the top edge of the waist gasketing element81 is coterminous to the waist edge 13, 14. Thus, the waist gasketingelement 81 is not spaced down from the waist edge of the absorbentarticle. In other embodiments, the outboard lateral edge 83 of the waistgasketing element 81 is placed 5 mm inboard of the second waist edge 14of chassis 22; whereas in some embodiments, the outboard lateral edge 83of the waist gasketing element is placed at least 10 mm inboard from thewaist edge 13, 14 of the chassis 22; at least 20 mm inboard from thewaist edge of the chassis; at least 50 mm inboard from the waist edge ofthe chassis; or any range or distance within the range of about 2 mm toabout 100 mm inboard from the waist edge of the chassis.

In some embodiments, the waist gasketing element pocket 93 includes athermal or compression bond that defines at least a portion of theperimeter of the pocket (e.g., the entire perimeter of the pocket), suchthat the at least a portion of the pocket 93 (e.g., the entire pocket),can be made visible to a wearer or caregiver as to signal thefunctionality of the pocket 93 prior to use.

In yet another embodiment, the waist gasketing element pocket 93includes a glue or bond that defines at least a portion of the perimeterof the pocket (e.g., the entire perimeter of the pocket), such that theat least a portion of the pocket 93 (e.g., the entire pocket), can bemade visible to a wearer or caregiver as to signal the functionality ofthe pocket 93 prior to use.

In another embodiment, the hydrophobic properties, such as Low SurfaceTension Strikethrough or Hydro Head, can be increased in a least aportion of the waist gasketing element 81, or in the whole waistgasketing element, in such a way that prevents exudates from leakingthrough the materials that comprise the waist gasketing element.Accordingly, this will maintain separation of the contained fecalmaterial from the wearer. Increasing hydrophobic properties can beaccomplished by applying hydrophobic coatings, inks, glues, silicones,additional materials, or any combination thereof, or by any other meansknown in the art. Additionally, it may be advantageous to include anN-fiber material in the waist gasketing element to provide the similarbenefits as associated with the leg cuff, as detailed herein.

In one embodiment, the waist gasketing element 81 and the leg gasketingsystem 70 are the same color. In one embodiment, the waist gasketingelement 81 and the leg gasketing system 70 are different colors. In oneembodiment, there is an additional printing on the waist gasketingelement 81.

In another embodiment, the waist gasketing element 81 includes a printedzone that outlines or defines at least a portion of the waist gasketingelement pocket 93 such that the benefit can be signaled prior to use.

In one embodiment, the waist gasketing element 81 includes elasticmembers 87 positioned in a longitudinal array between the inboardlateral edge 82 and the outboard lateral edge 83 of waist gasketingelement 81. As illustrated in FIG. 7 , the elastics 87 are attached tothe portion of the web of material that forms the waist gasketingelement 81 by elastics adhesive 88. In such an embodiment, the elasticsare positioned between 1) the portion of the web of material between thewaist gasketing element folded edge 89 and the waist gasketing elementfirst material edge 90, and 2) the portion of the web material betweenthe waist gasketing element folded edge 89 and the waist gasketingelement second material edge 91. The waist gasketing element 81 maycomprise at least two elastic members 87, at least three elastic members87, at least four elastic members 87, at least five elastic members 87,at least six elastic members 87, at least seven elastic members 87, atleast eight elastic members 87, at least nine elastic members 87, atleast ten elastic members 87, at least eleven elastic members, or atleast twelve elastic members 87.

In one embodiment, the elastic members 87 are spaced at least 2 mm apartfrom one edge of the member to the other edge of the member, optionallyat least 3 mm apart; optionally at least 3.5 mm apart; optionally atleast 4 mm apart; optionally at least 4.5 mm apart; optionally at least5 mm apart; optionally at least 5.5 mm apart; optionally at least 6 mmapart; optionally at least 6.5 mm apart; optionally at least 7 mm apart;optionally at least 7.5 mm apart; optionally at least 8 mm apart;optionally at least 8.5 mm apart; optionally at least 9 mm apart;optionally at least 9.5 mm apart; optionally at least 10 mm apart;optionally at least 10.5 mm apart; optionally at least 11 mm apart;optionally at least 11.5 mm apart; optionally at least 12 mm apart. Inone embodiment, the most inboard elastic members 87 are less than about2 mm from the waist gasketing element folded edge 89; optionally lessthan about 1.5 mm, less than about 1 mm. In one embodiment, the mostoutboard elastic members 87 are less than about 2 mm from the outboardlateral edge 83; optionally less than about 1.5 mm, less than about 1mm.

In one embodiment, the waist gasketing element 81 has four elasticmembers 87 that are each about 4 mm apart. The waist gasketing element81 may have four elastic members that are about 2 mm/7 mm/2 mm apart.The waist gasketing element 81 may have five elastic members that areabout 6.5 mm/7.5 mm/9 mm/11 mm apart. The waist gasketing element 81 mayhave three elastic members 77 that are each about 6 mm apart. The waistgasketing element 81 may have two elastic members that are about 12 mmapart. The waist gasketing element 81 may have four elastic members thatare about 3 mm/6 mm/10 mm/20 mm/30 mm spaced from the inboard lateraledge 82. In some embodiments, the elastic members may be about 2 mm fromthe inboard lateral edge 82, or about 0 mm from the outer inboardlateral edge 82 (or be disposed directly adjacent the inboard foldededge 89).

In one embodiment, the elastic members 87 have a prestrain level of atleast 50%; optionally at least 95%; optionally at least 150%; optionallyat least 200%; optionally at least 250%; optionally at least 300%;optionally at least 350%; or any range distance within the range ofabout 50% to about 350%. The prestrain level is the amount of strain puton the elastics before the elastic is glued down with elastics adhesiveto the waist gasketing element 81 web of material. In some embodiments,the prestrain level of each elastic member 87 can be identical, in otherembodiments, the prestrain levels can be different from elastic toelastic. In one preferred embodiment, the prestrain of elastic member(s)proximate the inboard lateral edge 82 can be higher than the prestrainlevel of the elastic member(s) proximate the outboard lateral edge 90.In this preferred embodiment, the contraction level of the inboardlateral edge 82 is greater than the contraction level of the outboardlateral edge 90.

In one embodiment, the waist gasketing element 81 has ability toelongate in lateral direction from its relaxed state by at least 15 mm,by 35 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, or even up to 100 mm; orany range or distance within the range of about 15 mm to about 100 mm.

In one embodiment, the decitex (g/mm) type can be different from elasticto elastic in the waist gasketing element 81. In one preferredembodiment, the decitex (g/mm) of elastic member(s) proximate theinboard lateral edge 82 can be higher than the decitex (g/mm) of theelastic member(s) proximate the outboard lateral edge 90. In thisembodiment the contractive forces proximate to the lateral inboard edge82 are higher than the contractive forces in the lateral outboard edge90.

The waist gasketing element 81 may be attached to the chassis 22 and theleg gasketing system 70 when the elastics 87 of the waist gasketingelement are only partially extended, but the chassis of the absorbentarticle 20 is fully extended. In addition, in one embodiment, the waistgasketing element 81 may be fully extended when the corresponding waistregion is fully extended in the lateral direction. In anotherembodiment, the waist gasketing element may not be fully extended whenthe corresponding waist region is fully extended. In other words, insome embodiments, at least some gathers in the web material of the waistgasketing element 81 are still present when attaching the waistgasketing element 81 to the chassis 22 and the leg gasketing system 70,while the materials of the chassis are fully extended. Once attached,the elastics 87 of the waist gasketing element 81 may retract from theirstate of partial extension to a relaxed state. Attaching the waistgasketing element 81 to the chassis 22 in this way allows the waistgasketing element 81 to be only partially extended when the waist regionof the absorbent article is fully extended in use. In other words, insome embodiments, when a user fully extends the waist region of thedisposable absorbent article 20, at least some gathers in the webmaterial of the waist gasketing element 81 are still present.

Although the waist gasketing element 81 described herein has be onlyspecifically detailed as being located in the second waist region 38, insome embodiments the waist gasketing element may be present in the firstwaist region 36. In some embodiments, a waist gasketing element 81 asdetailed herein may be included in both the first waist region 36 andthe second waist region 38. For instance, a wearer who sleeps on theirbelly (front) may benefit from the waist gasketing element 81 beinglocated in the front waist region 36, as to stop urine leakage out ofthe front waist during sleep. As with the waist gasketing elementlocated in the rear waist region, a waist gasketing element in the frontwaist region (i.e., first waist region 36) can also work in conjunctionwith a leg gasketing system pocket for the storage of urine as needed toprevent leakage out of the front of the product.

Construction Materials:

The leg gasketing system 70 may be manufactured from a wide variety ofmaterials such as polypropylene, polyester, rayon, nylon, foams, plasticfilms, formed films, and elastic films. The leg gasketing system 70 mayalso include absorbent materials including absorbent glue, if desired. Anumber of manufacturing techniques may be used to manufacture the leggasketing system 70. For example, the leg gasketing system 70 may bewoven, non-woven, spunbonded, carded, or the like.

In one embodiment, at least one material of the leg gasketing system 70is made from a substantially liquid impervious material. The materialmay be selected from the group consisting of an SMS nonwoven, SMMSnonwoven material, or a nonwoven component layer comprising “N-fibers”.

Various nonwoven fabric webs may comprise spunbond, meltblown, spunbond(“SMS”) webs comprising outer layers of spunbond thermoplastics (e.g.,polyolefins) and an interior layer of meltblown thermoplastics. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the leg gasketing cuff 70 comprisesa nonwoven component layer having fine fibers (“N-fibers”) with anaverage diameter of less than 1 micron (an “N-fiber layer”) may be addedto, or otherwise incorporated with, other nonwoven component layers toform a nonwoven web of material. In some embodiments, the N-fiber layermay be used to produce a SNS nonwoven web or SMNS nonwoven web, forexample.

The leg gasketing cuff 70 may comprise a first nonwoven component layercomprising fibers having an average diameter in the range of about 8microns to about 30 microns, a second nonwoven component layercomprising fibers having a number-average diameter of less than about 1micron, a mass-average diameter of less than about 1.5 microns, and aratio of the mass-average diameter to the number-average diameter lessthan about 2, and a third nonwoven component layer comprising fibershaving an average diameter in the range of about 8 microns to about 30microns. The second nonwoven component layer is disposed intermediatethe first nonwoven component layer and the third nonwoven componentlayer.

The N-fibers may be comprised of a polymer, e.g., selected frompolyesters, including PET and PBT, polylactic acid (PLA), alkyds,polyolefins, including polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), andpolybutylene (PB), olefinic copolymers from ethylene and propylene,elastomeric polymers including thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) andstyrenic block-copolymers (linear and radial di- and tri-blockcopolymers such as various types of Kraton), polystyrenes, polyamides,PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) and e.g. PHB (polyhydroxubutyrate), andstarch-based compositions including thermoplastic starch, for example.The above polymers may be used as homopolymers, copolymers, e.g.,copolymers of ethylene and propylene, blends, and alloys thereof. TheN-fiber layer may be bonded to the other nonwoven component layers byany suitable bonding technique, such as the calender bond process, forexample, also called thermal point bonding.

In some embodiments, the use of an N-fiber layer in a nonwoven web mayprovide a low surface tension barrier that is as high as other nonwovenwebs that have been treated with a hydrophobic coating or a hydrophobicmelt-additive, and still maintain a low basis weight (e.g., less than 15gsm or, alternatively, less than 13 gsm). The use of the N-fiber layermay also provide a soft and breathable (i.e., air permeable) nonwovenmaterial that, at least in some embodiments, may be used in single weblayer configurations in applications which previously used double weblayer configurations. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the use of theN-fiber layer may at least reduce the undesirable migration ofhydrophilic surfactants toward the web and, therefore, may ultimatelyresult in better leak protection for an associated absorbent article.Also, when compared to an SMS web having a similar basis weight, the useof a nonwoven web comprising the N-fiber layer may decrease the numberof defects (i.e., holes or pinholes through the mechanical bond site)created during the mechanical bonding process. N-fibers are furtherdiscussed in WO 2005/095700 and U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/024,844.

In one embodiment, the inner cuff 71 web of material has a hydrostatichead of greater than about 2 mbar, greater than about 3 mbar, greaterthan about 4 mbar. In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 web of materialhas a hydrostatic head of less than about 200 mbar, less than about 100mbar, less than about 75 mbar, less than about 50 mbar, less than about25 mbar, less than about 15 mbar.

In one embodiment, the inner cuff 71 web of material has an opacity offrom about 15% to about 50% hunter opacity; optionally from about 20% toabout 45% hunter opacity. In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 web ofmaterial has an opacity of from about 45% to about 75% hunter opacity;optionally from about 50% to about 70% hunter opacity; optionally lessthan about 75% hunter opacity; optionally less than about 70% hunteropacity.

In one embodiment, the inner cuff 71 web of material has an airpermeability of less than about 50 m³/m²/min; optionally less than about45 m³/m²/min. In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 web of material hasan air permeability of greater than about 5 m³/m²/min; optionallygreater than about 10 m³/m²/min; optionally greater than about 15m³/m²/min; optionally greater than about 20 m³/m²/min.

In one embodiment, the inner cuff 71 web of material has a WVTR of lessthan about 5500 g/m²/24 hrs; optionally less than about 5400 g/m²/24hrs. In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 web of material has a WVTR ofgreater than about 4250 g/m²/24 hrs; optionally greater than about 4500g/m²/24 hrs; optionally greater than about 5000 g/m²/24 hrs; optionallygreater than about 5250 g/m²/24 hrs; optionally greater than about 5500g/m²/24 hrs.

The gasketing cuffs 70 may be substantially inelastic or may beelastically extensible to dynamically fit at the wearer's leg. Thegasketing cuff 70 may be formed by one or more elastic members 77 and 78(such as elastic strands) operatively joined to the topsheet 24,backsheet 26, or any other suitable substrate used in the formation ofthe absorbent article 20. Suitable gasketing cuff construction isfurther described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003

The inner barrier cuff 71 may span the entire longitudinal length of theabsorbent article 20. The inner barrier cuff 71 may be formed by a flapand an elastic member 78 (such as elastic strands). The inner barriercuff 71 may be a continuous extension of any of the existing materialsor elements that form the absorbent article 20.

The inner barrier cuff 71 may comprise a variety of substrates such asplastic films and woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., woodor cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylenefibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. In certainembodiments, the flap may comprise a nonwoven web such as spunbond webs,meltblown webs, carded webs, and combinations thereof (e.g.,spunbond-meltblown composites and variants). Laminates of theaforementioned substrates may also be used to form the flap. Aparticularly suitable flap may comprise a nonwoven available from BBA

Fiberweb, Brentwood, TN as supplier code 30926. A particularly suitableelastic member is available from Invista, Wichita, KS as supplier codeT262P. Further description of diapers having inner barrier cuffs andsuitable construction of such barrier cuffs may be found in U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,808,178 and 4,909,803. The elastic member 78 may span thelongitudinal length of the inner barrier cuff 71. In other embodiments,the elastic member 78 may span at least the longitudinal length of theinner barrier cuff 71 within the crotch region 37. It is desirable thatthe elastic member 78 exhibits sufficient elasticity such that the innerbarrier cuff 71 remains in contact with the wearer during normal wear,thereby enhancing the barrier properties of the inner barrier cuff 71.The elastic member 78 may be connected to the flap at opposinglongitudinal ends. In certain embodiments, the flap may be folded overonto itself so as to encircle the elastic member 78.

The inner barrier cuff 71 and/or outer cuff 74 may be treated, in fullor in part, with a lotion, as described above with regard to topsheets,or may be fully or partially coated with a hydrophobic surface coatingas detailed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/055,743, which was filedFeb. 10, 2005. Hydrophobic surface coatings usefully herein may includea nonaqueous, solventless, multicomponent silicone composition. Thesilicone composition includes at least one silicone polymer and issubstantially free of aminosilicones. A particularly suitablehydrophobic surface coating is available from Dow Corning MI, Salzburgas supplier code 0010024820.

EXAMPLES

Opacity Air Permeability WVTR Hydrohead 32 dyne Strikethrough %m³/m²/min g/m²/24 hrs mbar Sec Lot Outer Inner Outer Inner Outer InnerOuter Inner Outer Inner Product No. Cuff Cuff Cuff Cuff Cuff Cuff CuffCuff Cuff Cuff Prototype NA 58.7 ± 37.6 ± 26.8 ± 36.9 ± 5905 ± 5224 ±16.8 ± 12.3 ± 21.0 ± 9.2 ± N-Fiber 2.2 3.2 5.6 4.6 129 87 2.1 1.3 3.51.5 Prototype NA 65.8 ± 39.0 ± 65.6 ± 38.5 ± 5748 ± 5193 ± 16.3 ± 10.0 ±15.6 ± 7.6 ± SMS 1.8 1.0 11.5 3.8 276 145 1.8 1.7 1.9 1.4 Pampers0089U011390422 80.1 ± 38.8 ± 2.1 ± 56.1 ± 4063 ± 5252 ± >200 6.7 ± >10010.1 ± BabyDry 0.4 3.8 1.0 6.3 67 157 0.8 0.5 Luvs 1047U011390518 85.3 ±36.4 ± 3.1 ± 90.2 ± 304 ± 5244 ± >200 6.5 ± >100 11.8 ± 1.2 3.4 1.9 9.3144 26 1.0 1.4 Huggies BI006912B 80.1 ± 45.4 ± 2.6 ± 45.0 ± 3673 ± 5581± >200 8.3 ± >100 14.3 ± Little 1.0 4.2 0.4 15.7 190 90 1.3 3.5 MoversHuggies NM1275U1F0755 72.7 ± 53.6 ± 4.4 ± 145.2 ± 375 ± 5688 ± >200 9.2± >100 14.6 ± Supreme 2.2 2.3 1.1 23.2 77 85 1.8 3.1 * Results areexpressed as the average ± one standard deviation * Prototype N-Fiber isa 13 gsm SMNS available from Polymer Group Inc * Prototype SMS is a 15gsm SMS (Spunbonded-Meltblown-Spunbonded) nonwoven available fromFibertex under the Comfort LineTest Methods:Opacity Method

Opacity is measured using a 0° illumination/45° detection,circumferential optical geometry, spectrophotometer with a computerinterface such as the HunterLab LabScan XE running Universal Software(available from Hunter Associates Laboratory Inc., Reston, VA) orequivalent instrument. Instrument calibration and measurements are madeusing the standard white and black calibration plates provided by thevendor. All testing is performed in a room maintained at 23±2° C. and50±2% relative humidity.

The spectrophotometer is configured for the XYZ color scale, D65illuminant, 10° standard observer, with UV filter set to nominal. Theinstrument is standardized according to the manufacturer's proceduresusing the 0.7 inch port size and 0.5 inch area view. After calibration,the software is set to the Y opacity procedure which prompts theoperator to cover the sample with either the white or black calibrationtile during the measurement.

Articles are pre-conditioned at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2% relativehumidity for two hours prior to testing. To obtain a specimen, thearticle is stretched flat on a bench, body facing surface upward, andthe total longitudinal length of the article is measured. A testing siteon the inner and outer cuffs is selected at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe article. Using scissors, a test specimen is cut 60 mm long by theentire height of the inner cuff centered at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe left cuff. Next, a second test specimen is cut, this time from theouter cuff, 60 mm long by the entire height of the outer cuff, centeredat the longitudinal midpoint of the left outer cuff. In like fashion,inner and outer cuff specimens are prepared from the cuffs on the rightside of the article.

The specimen is placed over the measurement port. The specimen shouldcompletely cover the port with the surface corresponding to theinner-facing surface of the cuff directed toward the port. The specimenis gently extended until taut in its longitudinal direction so that thecuff lies flat against the port plate. Adhesive tape is applied tosecure the cuff to the port plate in its extended state for testing.Tape should not cover any portion of the measurement port. The specimenis then covered with the white standard plate. A reading is taken, thenthe white tile is removed and replaced with the black standard tilewithout moving the specimen. A second reading is taken, and the opacityis calculated as follows:Opacity=(Y value_((black backing)) /Y value_((white backing)))×100

Specimens from five identical articles (10 inner cuff (5 left and 5right) and 10 outer cuff (5 left and 5 right)) are analyzed and theiropacity results recorded. The average opacity for the inner cuffs andthe outer cuffs are calculated and report separately, each to thenearest 0.01%.

Water Vapor Transmission Rate Method

Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) is measured using the wet cupapproach. A cylindrical cup is filled with water, maintaining a constantheadspace between the water surface and a specimen sealed over the cup'supper opening. The vapor loss is measured gravimetrically after heatingthe assembled cup for a specified time in an oven. All testing isperformed in a room maintained at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2% relativehumidity.

Articles are preconditioned at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2% relative humidityfor two hours prior to testing. The article stretched flat on a bench,body facing surface upward, and the total longitudinal length of thearticle is measured. A testing site on the inner and outer cuffs isselected at the longitudinal midpoint of the article. Using scissors, atest specimen is cut 60 mm long by the entire height of the inner cuffcentered at the longitudinal midpoint of the left cuff. Next, a secondtest specimen is cut, this time from the outer cuff, 60 mm long by theentire height of the outer cuff, centered at the longitudinal midpointof the left outer cuff. In like fashion, inner and outer cuff specimensfrom the cuffs on the right side of the article are prepared.

Glass straight walled, cylindrical vials, 95 mm tall with a 17.8 mminternal diameter at the opening are used as WVTR test vials. Each testvial is filled with distilled water accurately to a level 25.0 mm±0.1 mmfrom the upper lip of the vial's opening. The specimen is placed,inner-facing surface of the cuff downward, over the vial's opening. Thespecimen is gently pulled taut and secured around the vial'scircumference with an elastic band. The specimen is further sealed bywrapping Teflon tape around the vial's circumference. A preferred Teflontape is a thread sealant tape 0.25″ wide available from McMaster Carr(cat. No. 4591K11) or equivalent. The Teflon tape is applied up to thetop edge of the vial but should not cover any portion of the vial'sopening. The mass of the vial assembly (vial+specimen+sealing tape) isweighed to the nearest 0.0001 gram. This is the starting mass.

The vial assemblies are placed upright in a mechanical convection oven(e.g., Lindberg/BlueM oven available from ThermoScientific orequivalent) maintained at 38±1° C. for 24 hours, taking care to avoidcontact between the water in the vials and the specimens. After 24 hourshas elapsed, the vial assemblies are removed from the oven and allowedto come to room temperature. The mass of each vial assembly is measuredto the nearest 0.0001 gram. This is the final mass.

The WVTR is calculated using the following equation:WVTR (g/m²/24 hrs)=([starting mass (g)−final mass (g)]/surface area(m²))/24 hrs

Specimens from five identical articles (10 inner cuff (5 left and 5right) and 10 outer cuff (5 left and 5 right)) are analyzed and theirWVTR results recorded. The average WVTR for the inner cuffs and theouter cuffs are each reported separately to the nearest 1 g/m²/24 hrs.

Air Permeability Test

Air permeability is tested using a TexTest FX3300 Air PermeabilityTester (available from Advanced Testing Instruments, Greer, SC) with acustom made 1 cm² circular aperture (also available from AdvancedTesting Instruments) or equivalent instrument. The instrument iscalibrated according to the manufacturer's procedures. All testing isperformed in a room maintained at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2% relativehumidity.

The articles are pre-conditioned at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2% relativehumidity for two hours prior to testing. To obtain a specimen, thearticle is stretched flat on a bench, body facing surface upward, andthe total longitudinal length of the article is measured. A testing siteon the inner and outer cuffs is selected at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe article. Using scissors, a test specimen is cut 60 mm long by theentire height of the inner cuff centered at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe left cuff. Next, a second test specimen is cut, this time from theouter cuff, 60 mm long by the entire height of the outer cuff, centeredat the longitudinal midpoint of the left outer cuff. In like fashion,inner and outer cuff specimens are prepared from the cuffs on the rightside of the article.

The specimen is centered over the measurement port. The specimen shouldcompletely cover the port with the surface corresponding to theinward-facing surface of the cuff directed toward the port. The specimenis gently extended in its longitudinal direction until taut so that thecuff lies flat across the port. Adhesive tape is applied to secure thecuff across the port in its extended state for testing. Tape should notcover any portion of the measurement port. The test pressure is set toallow air to pass through the specimen. For non-woven cuffs the pressureis typically set for 125 Pa and for cuffs containing films typically2125 Pa is used. The sample ring is closed and the measuring range isadjusted until the range indicator shows green to indicate that themeasurement is within the accepted limits of the instrument. The airpermeability is recorded to the nearest 0.1 m³/m²/min.

Hydrostatic Head Test

Hydrostatic head is tested using a TexTest FX3000 Hydrostatic HeadTester (available from Advanced Testing Instruments, Greer, SC) with acustom made 1.5 cm² circular measurement port (also available fromAdvanced Testing Instruments). Two annular sleeve rings, the samedimensions as the gaskets around the measurement ports, are cut from thestandard protective sleeves for fine nonwovens (part FX3000-NWH,available from Advanced Testing Instruments). The sleeve rings are thenadhered with two-sided adhesive tape to the sample facing surfaces ofthe upper and lower gaskets of the TexTest instrument to protect thespecimen during clamping. Standardize the instrument according to themanufacturer's procedures. All testing is performed in a room maintainedat about 23° C.±2 C.° and about 50%±2% relative humidity.

Precondition the articles at about 23° C.±2 C.° and about 50%±2%relative humidity for two hours prior to testing. To obtain a specimen,lay the article stretched flat on a bench, body facing surface upward,and measure the total longitudinal length of the article. Select atesting site on the inner and outer cuffs, at the longitudinal midpointof the article. Using scissors cut a test specimen 70 mm long by theentire height of the inner cuff centered at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe left cuff. Next cut a second test specimen, this time from the outercuff, 70 mm long by the entire height of the outer cuff, centered at thelongitudinal midpoint of the left outer cuff. In like fashion, prepareinner and outer cuff specimens from the cuffs on the right side of thearticle.

Place the specimen centered over the port of the upper test head. Thespecimen should completely cover the port with the surface correspondingto the outward-facing surface of the cuff directed toward the port(inner-facing surface will then be facing the water). Gently extend thespecimen taut in its longitudinal direction so that the cuff lies flatagainst the upper test plate. Adhesive tape is applied to secure thecuff to the test plate in its extended state for testing. Tape shouldnot cover any portion of the measurement port.

Fill the TexTest syringe with distilled water, adding the water throughthe measurement port of the lower test plate. The water level should befilled to the top of the lower gasket. Mount the upper test head ontothe instrument and lower the test head to make a seal around thespecimen. The test speed is set to 3 mbar/min for samples that have ahydrostatic head of 50 mbar or less and a speed of 60 mbar/min forsamples with a hydrostatic head above 50 mbar. Start the test andobserve the specimen surface to detect water droplets penetrating thesurface. The test is terminated when one drop is detected on the surfaceof the specimen, or the pressure exceeds 200 mbar. Record the pressureto the nearest 0.5 mbar or record as >200 mbar if there was nopenetration detected.

A total of five identical articles (10 inner cuff and 10 outer cuffspecimens) are analyzed and their hydrostatic head results recorded.Calculate and report the average hydrostatic head for the inner cuffsand the outer cuffs and report each to the nearest 0.1 mbar.

Low Surface Tension Fluid Strikethrough Time Test

The low surface tension fluid strikethrough time test is used todetermine the amount of time it takes a specified quantity of a lowsurface tension fluid, discharged at a prescribed rate, to fullypenetrate a sample of a web (and other comparable barrier materials)which is placed on a reference absorbent pad.

For this test, the reference absorbent pad is 5 plies of Ahlstrom grade989 filter paper (10 cm×10 cm), and the test fluid is a 32 mN/m lowsurface tension fluid.

This test is designed to characterize the low surface tension fluidstrikethrough performance (in seconds) of webs intended to provide abarrier to low surface tension fluids, such as runny BM, for example.

Lister Strikethrough Tester: The instrumentation is like described inEDANA ERT 153.0-02 section 6 with the following exception: thestrike-through plate has a star-shaped orifice of 3 slots angled at 60degrees with the narrow slots having a 10.0 mm length and a 1.2 mm slotwidth. This equipment is available from Lenzing Instruments (Austria)and from W. Fritz Metzger Corp (USA). The unit needs to be set up suchthat it does not time out after 100 seconds.

Reference Absorbent Pad: Ahlstrom Grade 989 filter paper, in 10 cm×10 cmareas, is used. The average strikethrough time is 3.3+0.5 seconds for 5plies of filter paper using the

32 mN/m test fluid and without the web sample. The filter paper may bepurchased from Empirical Manufacturing Company, Inc. (EMC) 7616 ReinholdDrive Cincinnati, OH 45237.

Test Fluid: The 32 mN/m surface tension fluid is prepared with distilledwater and 0.42+/−0.001 g/liter Triton-X 100. All fluids are kept atambient conditions. Electrode-Rinsing Liquid: 0.9% sodium chloride (CAS7647-14-5) aqueous solution (9 g NaCl per 1 L of distilled water) isused.

Test Procedure

-   -   All testing is performed in a room maintained at about 23° C.±2        C.° and about 50%±2% relative humidity. The Ahlstrom filter        paper and test articles are conditioned in this controlled        environment for 24 hours and 2 hours before testing.

All testing is performed in a room maintained at about 23° C.±2 C.° andabout 50%±2% relative humidity. The Ahlstrom filter paper and testarticles are conditioned in this controlled environment for 24 hours and2 hours before testing.

-   -   Ensure that the surface tension is 32 mN/m+/−1 mN/m. Otherwise        remake the test fluid.    -   Prepare the 0.9% NaCl aqueous electrode rinsing liquid.    -   Ensure that the strikethrough target (3.3+/−0.5 seconds) for the        Reference Absorbent Pad is met by testing 5 plies with the 32        mN/m test fluid as follows:    -   Neatly stack 5 plies of the Reference Absorbent Pad onto the        base plate of the strikethrough tester.    -   Place the strikethrough plate over the 5 plies and ensure that        the center of the plate is over the center of the paper. Center        this assembly under the dispensing funnel.    -   Ensure that the upper assembly of the strikethrough tester is        lowered to the pre-set stop point.    -   Ensure that the electrodes are connected to the timer.    -   Turn the strikethrough tester “on” and zero the timer.    -   Using the 5 mL fixed volume pipette and tip, dispense 5 mL of        the 32 mN/m test fluid into the funnel.    -   Open the magnetic valve of the funnel (by depressing a button on        the unit, for example) to discharge the 5 mL of test fluid. The        initial flow of the fluid will complete the electrical circuit        and start the timer. The timer will stop when the fluid has        penetrated into the Reference Absorbent Pad and fallen below the        level of the electrodes in the strikethrough plate.    -   Record the time indicated on the electronic timer.    -   Remove the test assembly and discard the used Reference        Absorbent Pad. Rinse the electrodes with the 0.9% NaCl aqueous        solution to “prime” them for the next test. Dry the depression        above the electrodes and the back of the strikethrough plate, as        well as wipe off the dispenser exit orifice and the bottom plate        or table surface upon which the filter paper is laid.    -   Repeat this test procedure for a minimum of 3 replicates to        ensure the strikethrough target of the Reference Absorbent Pad        is met. If the target is not met, the Reference Absorbent Pad        may be out of spec and should not be used.    -   After the Reference Absorbent Pad performance has been verified,        nonwoven web samples may be tested.    -   Precondition the test articles at about 23° C.±2 C.° and about        50%±2% relative humidity for two hours prior to testing. To        obtain a specimen, lay the article stretched flat on a bench,        body facing surface upward, and measure the total longitudinal        length of the article.        Select a testing site on the inner and outer cuffs, at the        longitudinal midpoint of the article. Using scissors cut a test        specimen 70 mm long by the entire height of the inner cuff        centered at the longitudinal midpoint of the left cuff. Next cut        a second test specimen, this time from the outer cuff, 70 mm        long by the entire height of the outer cuff, centered at the        longitudinal midpoint of the left outer cuff. In like fashion,        prepare inner and outer cuff specimens from the cuffs on the        right side of the article.    -   Place the specimen centered over the port of the strike through        plate. The specimen should completely cover the port with the        surface corresponding to the body-facing surface of the cuff        directed toward the port. Gently extend the specimen taut in its        longitudinal direction so that the cuff lies flat against the        upper test plate. Adhesive tape is applied to secure the cuff to        the test plate in its extended state for testing. Tape should        not cover any portion of the measurement port.    -   Ensure that the upper assembly of the strikethrough tester is        lowered to the pre-set stop point.    -   Ensure that the electrodes are connected to the timer. Turn the        strikethrough tester “on” and zero the timer.    -   Run as described above.    -   Repeat this procedure for three articles. Average the six values        and report as the 32 mN/m low surface tension strikethrough time        to the nearest 0.1 seconds.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numeral values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaningor definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to the term in this written documentshall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

All documents cited are, in relevant part, incorporated herein byreference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as anadmission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disposable absorbent article for wearing aboutthe lower torso of a wearer, the disposable absorbent articlecomprising: a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch regiondisposed between the first and second waist regions; a first waist edgeand a second waist edge; and a first longitudinal edge and a secondlongitudinal edge, the disposable absorbent article comprising: atopsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent core disposed between the topsheetand the backsheet; a leg gasketing system; and a waist gasketingelement; wherein the leg gasketing system comprises a web of materialforming an inner cuff and a portion of an outer cuff; wherein the innercuff comprises an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edgeand the outer cuff comprises an outer cuff material edge; such that theweb of material is folded laterally outward to form the inner cufffolded edge; wherein at least a portion of the web of material betweenthe outer cuff material edge and the inner cuff folded edge is attachedto the backsheet in the first waist region, the second waist region andthe crotch region; and at least a portion of the web of material betweenthe inner cuff folded edge and the outer cuff material edge is attachedto the topsheet in the crotch region and the first waist region; whereinthe outer cuff comprises an elastics adhesive and at least onelongitudinally oriented elastic member, the elastics adhesive and the atleast one elastic member disposed between the web of material betweenthe outer cuff material edge and the inner cuff folded edge and thebacksheet; wherein in at least a portion of the second waist region theouter cuff is free of elastics adhesive and elastic members, thusforming a leg gasketing system pocket between the web of materialbetween the outer cuff material edge and the inner cuff folded edge andthe backsheet; wherein the waist gasketing element has an inboardlateral edge, an outboard lateral edge, and two longitudinal edges; thewaist gasketing element comprising at least one elastic material;wherein the waist gasketing element is attached to: 1) the chassis ofthe disposable absorbent article and 2) the leg gasketing system, suchthat at least a portion of the outboard lateral edge of the waistgasketing element is attached to the chassis and at least a portion ofthe outboard lateral edge of the waist gasketing element is attached tothe web of material forming the leg gasketing system; wherein at least aportion of the inboard lateral edge of the waist gasketing element isattached to the leg gasketing system; and wherein the inboard lateraledge of the waist gasketing element is unattached to the chassis of thedisposable absorbent article.
 2. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one elastic material of the waistgasketing element is at least one elastic strand.
 3. The disposableabsorbent article of claim 2, wherein the waist gasketing elementcomprises at least four elastic strands.
 4. The disposable absorbentarticle of claim 2, wherein the waist gasketing element comprises atleast seven elastic strands.
 5. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one elastic material of the waistgasketing element is an elastic film or an elastomeric nonwoven.
 6. Thedisposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the outboard lateraledge of the waist gasketing element is disposed inboard of the secondwaist edge of the disposable absorbent article.
 7. The disposableabsorbent article of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of each of thetwo longitudinal edges of the waist gasketing element are attached tothe leg gasketing system.
 8. The disposable absorbent article of claim1, wherein an entire length of each of the two longitudinal edges of thewaist gasketing element are attached to the leg gasketing system.
 9. Thedisposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the waist gasketingelement is attached to the leg gasketing system over substantially anentire area that the leg gasketing system overlaps with the waistgasketing element.
 10. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1,wherein the at least one elastic material of the waist gasketing elementis only partially extended when the respective waist region is fullyextended.
 11. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein theat least one elastic material of the waist gasketing element comprises aplurality of elastic members disposed in a longitudinal array betweenthe inboard lateral edge and the outboard lateral edge.
 12. Thedisposable absorbent article of claim 11, wherein the plurality ofelastic members comprises two or more elastic members.
 13. Thedisposable absorbent article of claim 11 wherein the plurality ofelastic members comprises four or more elastic members.
 14. Thedisposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the waist gasketingelement comprises a single, continuous web of material.
 15. A disposableabsorbent article for wearing about the lower torso of a wearer, thedisposable absorbent article comprising: a first waist region, a secondwaist region, a crotch region disposed between the first and secondwaist regions; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; and a firstlongitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the disposableabsorbent article comprising: a topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent coredisposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a leg gasketing system;and a waist gasketing element; wherein the leg gasketing systemcomprises a web of material forming an inner cuff and a portion of anouter cuff; wherein the inner cuff comprises an inner cuff folded edgeand an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff comprises an outercuff material edge; such that the web of material is folded laterallyoutward to form the inner cuff folded edge; wherein at least a portionof the web of material between the outer cuff material edge and theinner cuff folded edge is attached to the backsheet in the first waistregion, the second waist region and the crotch region; and at least aportion of the web of material between the inner cuff folded edge andthe outer cuff material edge is attached to the topsheet in the crotchregion and the first waist region; wherein the outer cuff comprises anelastics adhesive and at least one longitudinally oriented elasticmember, the elastics adhesive and the at least one elastic memberdisposed between the web of material between the outer cuff materialedge and the inner cuff folded edge and the backsheet; wherein in atleast a portion of the second waist region the outer cuff is free ofelastics adhesive and elastic members, thus forming a leg gasketingsystem pocket between the web of material between the outer cuffmaterial edge and the inner cuff folded edge and the backsheet; whereinthe waist gasketing element has an inboard lateral edge, an outboardlateral edge, and two longitudinal edges; the waist gasketing elementcomprising at least one elastic material; wherein the waist gasketingelement is attached to: 1) the chassis of the disposable absorbentarticle and 2) the leg gasketing system, such that at least a portion ofthe outboard lateral edge of the waist gasketing element is attached tothe chassis and at least a portion of the outboard lateral edge of thewaist gasketing element is attached to the web of material forming theleg gasketing system; wherein at least a portion of the inboard lateraledge of the waist gasketing element is attached to the leg gasketingsystem; and wherein the inboard lateral edge of the waist gasketingelement is unattached to the chassis of the disposable absorbentarticle, such that the waist gasketing element and underlying componentsof the disposable absorbent article define a waist gasketing elementpocket, wherein a glue or bond defines at least a portion of a perimeterof the waist gasketing element pocket.
 16. The disposable absorbentarticle of claim 15, wherein a glue defines the entire perimeter of thewaist gasketing element pocket.
 17. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 15, wherein the outboard lateral edge of the waist gasketingelement is disposed inboard of the second waist edge of the disposableabsorbent article.
 18. The disposable absorbent article of claim 15,wherein the at least one elastic material of the waist gasketing elementcomprises a plurality of elastic members disposed in a longitudinalarray between the inboard lateral edge and the outboard lateral edge.19. The disposable absorbent article of claim 18, wherein the pluralityof elastic members comprises two or more elastic members.
 20. Thedisposable absorbent article of claim 18 wherein the plurality ofelastic members comprises four or more elastic members.